The nominations for the 84th annual Academy Awards were announced at 7:30 AM CST Tuesday January 24th. The announcements are set for this time in order for maximize impact on the network television morning shows. Up to ten films can be nominated in the best picture category. Nine films were nominated this year.

Jean Dujardin, one of the most famous actors in France, was nominated for best actor for “The Artist.” Viola Davis was nominated for best actress. Both Davis and Dujardin are frontrunners to win, although Dujardin will get a lot of competition from George Clooney for his role in “The Descendants.” Clooney was nominated for best actor and “The Descendants” was nominated for best picture.

“The Artist” is the early favorite to win best picture.

Director Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” was a love-letter to filmmaking and scored more Oscar nominations this year than any other movie. Scorsese, who is also a noted film historian, wanted to make “Hugo” as motion picture that salutes the early origins of film in Europe during the silent movie era. Many people in Hollywood think that fact will actually help “The Artist” win an Oscar as best film, since it is a black & white silent film.

Woody Allen hasn’t been heard from at the Oscars for a long time, but he was nominated this year for best director for his very popular film, “Midnight in Paris, “ which was also nominated for best picture.

The 18th annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards will be announced Sunday January 29th. The awards from the British Academy of Film & Television Arts will be announced Sunday February 12th. Winners at both events will give a strong clue as to what and who will win Oscars this year.

The Oscars will be handed out Sunday February 26th at the Kodak Theater. The telecast will be seen in 225 countries. Billy Crystal returns as host.

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/84/nominees.html